Dead Pixel vs Stuck Pixel: How to Tell and What to Do

A dot on your screen can be dust, a stuck pixel or a dead pixel. Only stuck pixels can usually be fixed, so identify which one you have before you try anything.

Common causes

• Stuck pixel: a sub-pixel transistor stays on (red, green or blue dot)
• Dead pixel: a pixel that never lights (black dot)
• Hot pixel: always white
• Dust or debris on or under the surface

Step-by-step fix

1. Clean the screen — Wipe gently with a dry microfibre cloth to rule out dust.
2. Run a full-screen colour test — Cycle black, white, red, green and blue. Note the colour of the dot on each background.
3. Identify the type — Black on every colour means dead. A coloured dot on black means stuck. White everywhere means hot.
4. Try the pixel healer — For stuck pixels, run the flashing tool over the dot for 10–30 minutes.
5. Don't press the screen — Pressing or rubbing the panel can create new dead pixels or pressure marks. If the healer doesn't help after an hour, stop and ask the seller or manufacturer about the warranty.
6. Check warranty policy — Look up the manufacturer's pixel policy and photograph the defect for a claim.

Tip: Check a new screen within the first days. Many retailers accept returns for pixel defects only in the first 14–30 days.

Still not fixed?

Dead pixels are a hardware defect and cannot be fixed by software. If several appear or they spread, the panel should be replaced under warranty.